50 Rules To Live By

A Southerner's Guide To Being A True Gentleman In Today's World

If you see an elderly person crossing the street slowly, there is no need to ask them if they need assistance. Simply walk even more slowly, a few steps behind them, and watch for oncoming traffic.

Call your mother regularly. No matter how old you become and whether or not you think you still “need” her, she needs you.

When picking a woman up for a first date, always go to her front door and introduce yourself to her parents. Likewise, always walk her to her door when you return from your date, and if you had a nice time, it’s OK to go in for the kiss — just keep it short.

No good can come from being out after 1:00 a.m. Well, for the most part, anyways.

Always send a “thank you” card when someone gives you a gift or just shows you a good time. Make sure it is handwritten, too.

Tips should never be less than 20%. If you’re bad at math, then move the decimal point one place to the left and multiply by two. Unless, however, you’re at a bar. Then you should always give the bartender $1 for each drink, every trip to the bar.

Never blame others for your unhappiness.

If you are with a woman and make a quick stop at a gas station, buy her something thoughtful. Even something as small as a cherry Ring Pop will suffice.

Ties are always required for weddings, graduations, and funerals. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Always walk on the street side of the sidewalk when with someone else.

Turn off all the lights in your home, power down your cell phone, and light some candles every once in a while when staying in with that special woman in your life. It’s astounding what you will learn about each other when all you have is conversation and a faint flame to spend your evening by.

Fill up your woman’s gas tank regularly. Check the oil in her vehicle too, while you’re at it.

Always offer guests in your home a drink, and if you get up and go to the kitchen, ask if anyone needs anything.

Have refreshments out when you have company. It doesn’t have to be ornate — chips and dip, or a simple bowl of cashews will do.

If you are miserable due to your job, quit. If you are miserable as a result of your relationship, break up. If you are a miserable person, look in the mirror.

Flowers aren’t reserved just for special occasions.

Always introduce your girlfriend, fiancée, wife, etc. when among a group of people she has never met.

Every introduction should be accompanied by a handshake. Never underestimate the power of a handshake and other nonverbal cues (e.g., consistent eye contact) on first impressions. Now, keep in mind that an overbearing, forceful handshake can have just as much of a negative impact than a tenuous one. Likewise, there is no need for an awkward, prolonged handshake — make sure it is strong and keep it brief. It’s not a competition.

Play a sport. Whether it’s baseball, cross country, tennis, surfing, or academic quiz bowl, all that matters is that you are part of a team.

If another couple invites you over to their home for dinner, drinks, to watch a game, etc., never show up empty-handed. Bring something, anything (e.g., wine, flowers, a $5 foot-long).